wisdom

The wise hear them and grow in wisdom; those with understanding gain guidance.

Solomon asked God to give him wisdom and understanding and it pleased the Lord, so He gave him wisdom and understanding beyond measure. The Book of Proverbs was written to guide people in how they should live their lives. Some say the Book of Proverbs doesn’t apply to today’s times, but it is as relevant now as it was then because God’s word is the same yesterday, today and forever. Learning is a life-long journey, even the wise can gain wisdom.

Tomorrow we will be ten days into the new year. Naturally we see this as a beginning yet we really don’t know how many days, weeks, months or years we actually will get to experience here on earth. Make every day count, use each day wisely and love the Lord with all your heart.

He who walks with the wise grows wise, but a companion of fools suffers harm.

Choose wisely the people with whom you surround yourself, especially, your inner circle. Whether we like it or not, we are influenced by those closest to us. Be determined to surround yourself with those who bring out the best in you, who inspire you and most importantly, who love the Lord.

Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.

God gives each of us talents, abilities and gifts that He expects us to use to serve others. Gifts of wisdom, faith, discernment, teaching, administration, service, mercy, hospitality and encouragement have been given to us for His purpose, not ours. If we want to please God we must faithfully use our gifts to bless others and to build His kingdom.

Come, my children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the Lord.

The best gift we can give our children is to teach them to obey and follow the Lord which leads to wisdom, prosperity and a happy life. Teaching children to fear the Lord doesn’t mean they should be afraid of Him, it means they should respect Him and put Him first in their lives. Fear of the Lord requires awe, reverence, adoration, honor, worship, faith, trust, thankfulness and love. We teach these to our children not just by word but by example. Share Jesus, the greatest gift of all, with your children.

You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you.

God chose you to be a part of the body of Christ. He appointed you to go out and bear fruit, to share the Gospel of Christ. He has given you encouragement to continue your mission knowing that whatever you need be it faith, grace, wisdom or something else if you ask the Father, He will give it to you.